“Not To Put Too Much Weight on His Shoulders”: The Breakout Country Star Dierks Bentley Calls a “Once-In-A-Generation Type Talent”

In light of his busy 2025 and new studio album, Broken Branches, Dierks Bentley recently sat down with Forbes to dissect it all. In the interview, Bentley broke down the songs residing on his new album, talked about his current tour, and discussed his impending Fourth of July show in Nashville, Tennessee. A day he has not performed on in 10 years, as he’s taken it off to be with his family.

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On his new album, Bentley collaborated with artists Riley Green, Stephen Wilson Jr., Miranda Lambert, and John Anderson. In his conversation with Forbes, Bentley spoke on these collaborations by stating, “I leaned into the Nashville’s songwriting community more than ever.” “And I’m really proud of the writers on this album,” he added.

These are not the only songwriters and artists Dierks Bentley praised. In addition to those remarks, Dierks Bentley also spoke about Zach Top in a high regard. Specifically, he divulged to Forbes that he hopes Top is the future of country music.

Why Dierks Bentley Hopes Zach Top Will Carry the Torch

Regarding his affinity for Top, Bentley told the publication, “Not to put too much weight on his shoulders but I hope he’s the future of country music.” “It’d be great for all of us who love that kind of music. Zach is a once-in-a-generation type talent as far as singing and musicianship. I mean, he plays the guitar as well as anybody I’ve ever met,” he added.

This is not the only time Bentley has called Zach Top the future of country music. During their recent performance together at CMA Fest, Bentley stated to the crowd following their performance and prior to Top’s exit, “You guys know the real deal when you see it. The future of country music is right here, Zach Top.”

Currently, Zach Top is on tour with Dierks Bentley as one of the opening acts for the Broken Branches Tour. Consequently, Bentley added that it has been a joy to have Top with him on tour and on stage. “This year, in particular, it’s really fun with Zach Top being out there,” said Bentley.

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